Datchworth 37 Hampstead 15 Datchworth continued their excellent start to 2007 with an entertaining display of running rugby to delight the watching ex-players who had enjoyed a pre-match lunch at the club. Head coach Mark Pittaccio said: We changed our g

Datchworth 37 Hampstead 15

Datchworth continued their excellent start to 2007 with an entertaining display of running rugby to delight the watching ex-players who had enjoyed a pre-match lunch at the club.

Head coach Mark Pittaccio said: "We changed our game plan within minutes of the start as it was clear the Hampstead forwards would not cope with a mobile game."

This proved to be the case as Jamie Sinclair at open side flanker claimed the first two tries.

In reply to an early penalty from the visitors, fly-half Andy Tarsey stepped his opposite number, made the break and drew the full-back before delivering the scoring pass to his captain Sinclair.

His second came following a show of fine handling and evasive skill from the back line. Outside centre Richie Howells found the gap on the halfway line, he fed to Al Thomas joining the line from full-back.

Thomas beat the first defender before drawing the next and putting winger James Watt into space who sped up the touchline before drawing and delivering the scoring pass to the supporting Sinclair. Howells added the conversion.

Unfortunately the villagers' over confidence got the better of them.

The ball was taken on in their own 22 when field position should have been sought. The attack lacked a strike runner and a sloppy interception pass was delivered gifting the visitors a converted try.

Tarsey soon responded cutting through the defence after a period of sustained pressure in which the forwards controlled the ball well. Howells again added the extra two points.

They turned around 19-10 up but once again Hampstead were given hope. The ball was given away, a series of well-executed rucks followed and they powered over the line.

Then came the try of the match. Quick recycling with lock Paul Broadwood and prop Danny Sheridan kept the ball alive and allowed the home side to stretch the visitors from the right to the left touchline and back.

Howells crowned this fine display of handling with the touch down.

Datchworth should have scored at least three further tries but only one chance was taken. Tarsey finished the game off with a break and Howells made sure of the easy conversion.

Pittaccio added: "All our hard work in the first half of the season is paying off and I cannot praise the players highly enough for their last three performances.

"We have stayed positive throughout this learning curve and to win three in a row after six losses has taken real courage and belief."

Datchworth will face a tougher test this Saturday at top of the table Ruislip.